Who is responsible for cleaning student rooms?
Each University Housing resident is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their suite (room and bathroom) or apartment. University Housing staff assists residents with this process by helping them have conversations with their roommates about sharing the cleaning responsibility. Housing Staff conducts cleaning and safety inspections several times a year. During the inspection, staff enters living units, and assesses whether the unit is clean and safe by Housing standards (standards can be found in the Living Guide at http://www.siue.edu/housing/livingguide.shtml).
What academic support is available in on campus living facilities?
There are study lounges in all wings in each residence hall and a large room is available in the Cougar Village Commons. There are often tutoring sessions available within the residence halls that are advertised through banners in the lobby and the Cougar Village Commons. Each building has a 24 hour computer lab and the Cougar Village commons have a computer lab with hours posted in the Commons.
What can students do to manage stress?
Students should first talk with their RA. RAs are trained to appropriately refer residents to other campus offices that can best assist that resident.
University Housing works closely with the Counseling Center. Residents can refer to the Counseling website, http://www.siue.edu/counseling/Staff.shtml.
The campus Recreation Center offers many exercise classes, fitness opportunities, massages, and more to help residents find balance in their lives. Check out their website, http://www.siue.edu/crec/.
When will University Housing staff notify parents/guardians of student behavior?
University Housing will notify a parent/guardian via a letter, when an underage student has been found responsible for a drug or alcohol violation. Students will have a meeting with a university official (often the Hall Director or Assistant Hall/Community Director). During this meeting the student will have the opportunity to sign a release of information form that allows the university official to discuss the matter of concern with parents/guardians. If the student does not sign that form, the university official may not discuss the confidential discussion with other parties.
How does a first year student prepare to share a room when he or she has never done so?
A first year student should be prepared to share, communicate, and compromise. This can start through discussions with parents/guardians. New residents may not be accustomed to living in such close quarters with another person. Living with a new roommate often blossoms into an excellent learning experience and new friend in college. University Housing staff will help residents create a roommate contract that outlines rights and responsibilities of each resident. Residents must be prepared to compromise. There are always venues for discussing their concerns. Hall Directors/Assistant Community Directors and RAs are available to hear concerns and offer suggestions to better the situation. It is up to residents to take initiative to work with their roommate to create a positive living environment.
What activities are available to students in University Housing?
There are different activities every day in the residence halls and apartments. The lobby and individual wings and buildings always have advertisements posted for events going on in the community or on campus. Residents can always ask RAs for more information or check out the Kimmel Leadership Center for more options. See the website for Kimmel Leadership Center. http://www.siue.edu/kimmel/
Who should students contact for room repairs?
Students need to initiate the repair by reporting it to University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM) at http://odyssey.siue.edu/. UHFM responds to student initiated repair requests as a first priority.
What dining options are on campus?
There is a plethora of dining options available for students at SIUE. See the website of dining options. http://www.siue.edu/MUC/diningoptions.html
What security is in place in the residence halls?
Please see the “Safety and Security” option on the main Parent website page.
What are the first few weeks of college like for a student?
The first few weeks are a tumultuous time filled with highs and lows. First year students can become overwhelmed with college level classes, new roommates, distance from family and friends, and finding their niche in college. It is perfectly normal for the adjustment period to take a few weeks. It is crucial that students spend time remaining at college on the weekends. They can attend programs, get to know their roommate and other people in the community, and get to know their RA. They can begin building a network at SIUE.
Parents, guardians, and families can help their student by encouraging them to stay on campus for the first few weeks, get involved, talk to their RA, go to dinner with new people, and spend time outside their comfort zone. The Hall Directors and Community Director are full time professionals dedicated to assisting with your student’s college success. Contact them if you need to further discuss your specific student.
What can the RA, Front Desk, Hall Director, and Secretary assist my student with?
RAs and Front Desk Managers should always be the first line in answering any resident question. These employees are trained to serve as resources. They are proficient in policy knowledge and know how to appropriately refer residents.
The hall secretary can assist students with questions they may have about the laundry room, vending machines, and general concerns. The secretary will refer the resident to the Hall/Community Director if necessary.
The Hall/Community Director can best assist residents with questions about policy, situations where residents may have been documented for policy violation, roommate concerns, and general housing questions. Hall/Community Directors have offices in the building they are responsible for. These staff can be seen in attendance at many of the events that take place in their area of responsibility. Any student is welcome to make an appointment with the Hall/Community Director if they’d like to. They can do this through the secretary.
Where do I go for help if my student is international?
SIUE has an International Student Services office that employs quality, experienced staff. They are an excellent campus resource. http://www.siue.edu/iss/
What do I do if my son or daughter won’t answer my phone calls?
If your student does not answer your phone calls for a prolonged period of time, one in which you may be concerned for their well being, contact the Hall/Cougar Village Commons number and the secretary will forward your concern to the appropriate staff member. If this is an emergency and you cannot get a hold of staff, please contact SIUPD at 618.650.3324.
What is MAP-works?
MAP-works is an initiative aimed at improving students’ transition to the university atmosphere. First year students will receive a survey in mid-September that will generate a report to professional staff. The report will aid professional staff in assisting students with four critical factors that determine success and satisfaction in college. The four critical factors are: academic success, retention, student development, and student involvement. This information will help professional staff act proactively and assist your student through a successful college experience. Parents and families should encourage their student to participate in the survey.